Place of Interest

Kelantan Attractions

Cultural Centre Here, visitors can view the traditional arts of Kelantan, including kiteflying, rebana (giant drums), silat (martial arts), giant top spinning, wayang kulit (shadow play). Located in Jalan Mahmood near Perdana Hotel, the Cultural Centre is open from February to October except during the fasting month.

Buluh Kubu Central Market One of the most vibrant and enjoyable sites in the country. The sights, sounds, and colours are uniquely Kelantanese women traders display garden produce, food stands grill delectable barbecued chicken and craftsmen offer traditional wares like Kelantanese silver rose bowls. The market is probably the most photographed site in the country and it is especially lively in the mornings.

Balai Besar PalaceBuilt in 1840 by Sultan Mahmud II, the palace is situated in the vicinity of the state mosque. It was formerly the residence of the Kelantanese Sultans but now it is used as the venue for the state functions. It has a large audience hall, a throne room and a collection of Royal regalia.

Fishing VillageNo visit to Kelantan is complete without a trip to one of its many fishing villages that form the soul of Malaysia's East Coast. One of the best known of these fishing villages is at Sabak Beach, 14 km from Kota Bharu.

An experience not to be missed here is to watch local fisherman returning from the sea in the late afternoon, their colourful boats laden with the day's catch. A noisy yet interesting time of haggling ensues between the fisherman and their customers on the beach. Other activities that one can witness at the village include drying of fish and mending of nets.

Gunung StongKelantan's highest mountain at 1,422 metres. Gua Ikan (Fish Cave) is located here. Its name is derived from a lone rock that looks like a fish. To cave explorers on an expedition, part of the lure is trying to find a pot of gold believed to have been hidden during the Japanese Occupation.

Handicraft Village and Craft MuseumKelantan's exquisite range of handicrafts which include silverware, songket, batik and wood cravings are displayed and sold here.

Istana Jahar (Museum of Royal Traditions and Customs)Built in 1887 by Sultan Muhammad II for his grandson Long Kundur, this former palace, Istana Jahar, is now a museum of cultural history. The intricate wood carvings are testimony to the superb craftsmanship of the Kelantanese. Photographs, artifacts and exhibits on Kelantan's rich cultural heritage will keep visitors enthralled.

Islamic MuseumThe history of Islam in Kelantan is well documented in the artifacts and inscriptions exhibited here. The establishment of the Museum reflects the importance of the state as a centre of Islamic learning.

Masjid Kampung Laut Located at Nilam Puri this is believed to be one of the oldest mosques in Malaysia. It was dismantled and rebuilt piece by piece from its original site at Kampung Laut because floods from the nearby river threatened its structure. The mosque is built without the use of nails.

Merdeka Square Previously known as Padang Kelupang, Merdeka Square is one of many such central civic spaces in Malaysia. The British built most of the country's padangs as central open spaces around which revolved the buildings and the life, of the colonial administration. When Malaysia declared its independence on 31 August 1957, the square was renamed Merdeka Square.

Royal MuseumBuilt in 1939 during the reign of Sultan Ismail, the Royal Museum is housed within the Istana Batu. Today, its serves as a repository for regalia and palace items belonging to former sultans. The exhibitions include silverware, bedroom items and furniture from the royal household. A photo exhibition of the late Sultan of Kelantan is also on display.

State MuseumThis building was used as the premises of the land office from the colonial days until 1990 when major renovations were carried out to convert it into the state Museum. Exhibits of special interest here included the paraphernalia associated with Kelantan's traditional art. It also served as the main office for the Kelantan State Museum Corporation.

Second World War Museum/ Bank KerapuThis historical building presently serve as a repository for memorabilia and documents relating to the Japanese occupation during the World War II.

State MosqueAlso known as the "Al-Muhammadi" mosque and the "Brick Mosque", this edifice was completed in 1926 during the reign of Sultan Ismail the Fourth after almost a decade. The mosque is the centre for missionary activities in the state.

Wat Photivihan Jambum The shrine of the largest reclining Buddha in South-East Asia is situated in the village of Kg Jambu, 12 km north of Kota Bharu.

Beaches

Pantai Cahaya Bulan Previously known as Pantai Cinta Berahi or Beach of Passionate Love, PCB is located on the northeast stretch of the Kelantan coastline, just 9.6 km from Kota Bharu. The beach is shaded by tall casuarinas trees which provide an ideal spot for picnics and relaxation. Comfortable chalets are available at the beach.

Pantai Irama or the Beach of Melody is located 25 km south of Kota Bharu in the district of Bachok. It is reputed to be the most beautiful beach along the entire east coast and is popular with picnickers and campers.

Pantai Bisikan Bayu located near Semerak, in the district of Pasir Putih, 50 km away from Kota Bharu, is famous for its tall casuarinas offering cool shade for picnickers. Its name means Beach of the whispering breeze.

Pantai Seri Tujuhis another lovely beach 7 km north of Kota Bharu and the venue of annual Malaysian International Kite Festival. It is situated close to the Kelantan-Thailand border. Visitors will be enthralled by the scenic coastline fringing the South-China Sea en-route to Pantai Seri Tujuh.

Pantai Dasar Sabak is the beach where the Japanese landed in December of 1941, before making their way down south towards Singapore. The local fishing village, a rustic Malay kampung, is worth a visit.

Waterfalls

Kelantan's emerald forest boast of a number of picturesque waterfalls that provide ideal spots for picnicking and relaxation. Most of the waterfalls are located in the district of Pasir Puteh about 35 km from Kota Bharu.

Jeram Pasu located at Kampong Padang Pak Amat and accessible by car this is by far the most popular waterfall in the area. A dip in its crystal clear icy-waters will soon soothe even the most weary traveller.

Jeram Lenang Located about 65 km from Kota Bharu, is another favorite spot among the locals. It is also an ideal for picnicking, relaxing, camping and also jungle-trekking.

Lata BeringinThe jewel in the crown, is noted for its 120 metre high waterfall. Located at the Sungei Pas Kesedar Scheme, it is accessible via a dirt track leading off from the Kuala Krai-Gua Musang Highway. Lata Beringin is famous for its magnificent view and lush surroundings that make it a popular camping spot.

River Cruises and Jungle trekking

Visitors who are in eco-tourism will enjoy taking a cruise up the Kelantan River into the virgin rainforest of Kelantan. Marvel at the grandeur of the ancient rainforest and alert your senses to signs of wildlife along the way. Another attraction of the cruise is to take in the sights of the river communities and their activities.

To take to the river cruise, one has to get to Kuala Krai, about an hour and a half south of Kota Bahru. At Kuala Krai, take the boat at the riverside jetty to begin the 2-hour cruise that will end up in Dabong. From Dabong, several options are available. You can either take a train for the return trip back to Wakaf Baru and then to Kota Bharu or proceed to Jelawang for a jungle trekking experience. Don't miss visiting the spectacular Jelawang Waterfalls, a rewarding experience inspite of the 1 1/2 hours jungle trek to get there.

Alternatively, one can take the South bound train from Dabong to Gua Musang, a 2 1/2 hours journey. Here is where the majestic Lata Beringin Waterfall is located. Gua Musang also lies in the vicinity Taman Negara amidst the splendor of the world's oldest rainforests. Explore the many limestone caves, cascading waterfalls or enjoy a riverboat safari.

Kuala Koh, approximately 90 km from Gua Musang is another attractive spot for visitors to Taman Negara apart from the park headquarters at Kuala Tahan in the neighbouring state of Pahang. Kuala Koh boasts of pleasant natural setting and lush rainforest greenery. It is deal for the nature activities such as jungle-trekking, bird watching, river rafting, fishing and mountain climbing. Kuala Koh is 2 hours from Gua Musang by the Gua Musang-Kuala Krai Highway.